Illegal crossings at southern US border down 94% from year prior: border patrol chief

Illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border have decreased 94% over roughly the last year, Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks says.

Banks told CBS News, that agents are apprehending about 285 migrants a day, compared to 4,800 at about the same time last year.

Banks attributed the lower numbers to actions taken by President Donald Trump and his administration.

However, the numbers started to decline significantly in mid- and late-2024 after then-President Biden imposed tighter asylum restriction in June.  

In September 2024, the Border Patrol apprehended roughly 54,000 immigrants attempting to cross illegally into the U.S. – the lowest monthly illegal border crossings attempts since Biden took office in 2021.

Banks said some of new tactics the agency is now using includes additional troops at the southern border and allowing the Texas National Guard to help Border Patrol agents apprehend individuals in the country illegally.